ACADEMICS

Curriculum

Our leading edge curriculum integrates an International Baccalaureate education with STEM specific programs and pathways, including Project Lead The Way. IB and PLTW programs aim to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Our
combined curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation in order to develop intellectual, emotional, and social skills that students will need to live and work in a globalized world.

The educational philosophy of Maryland International School (MDIS) is based on our belief that all students, with proper instruction and skill development, can achieve at high levels when held to high standards in a supportive educational environment. At MDIS, we believe that systematic testing leads to improved student performance and that a high quality teaching staff can attain sustainable achievement. Our program is built on these principles, as well as, a partnership between the students, parents/guardian, community, and school staff to create a thriving learning environment.

There is nothing common about MDIS and that is why we do not follow the common core. Our STEM-based curriculum has been developed taking into account the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), technology standards, disciplinary literacy standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and transdisciplinary core content lessons. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation in order to develop the intellectual, emotional and social skills that students will need to live and work in a globalized world. Some of the after school programs and clubs that are currently offered include robotics, Science Olympiad, Intel, FIRST Lego League, SCRATCH, Gaming Club, National Forensic League, Math-nastics, and an outdoor education club.

Instruction

At MDIS, the learning experiences and education expectations, which are academically, intellectually, and personally challenging, allow students to understand complex concepts and to acquire skills that can be applied in a variety of contexts throughout their lives. For example, STEM challenges are studies from a global perspective, which provides a relevant and engaging framework to learn course content and develop feasible solutions. In addition, the social and emotional learning experiences allow students to develop self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, and self-management, all of which are critical for academic and lifelong success.

Two key features of our instructional model include the integration and implementation of the following:

The 5E Instructional Model: The 5E Instructional Model promotes active, collaborative, inquiry-based learning. The 5E model is based on the constructivist approach to learning, which states that learners build or construct new ideas on top of old ideas. Each of the five "Es" describes a phase of learning - Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. The 5E model allows students to ask questions, observe, analyze, explain, draw conclusions, and ask new questions. These inquiry-based experiences include both those that involve students in direct experimentation and those in which students develop explanations through critical and logical thinking.

Chromebooks for Classrooms: In order to transform learning for the 21st century and help customize the learning experience, each of our students will have a personal Chromebook, using Google Apps for Education to make the coursework in the classroom go virtual. Google Classroom is a learning management system designed for teachers and students to connect the class, track progress, and achieve more together by allowing teachers to share documents with students in real time, creating a more collaborative learning environment. Chromebooks have easy-to-use web apps, flexible configuration settings, and automatic updates, allowing students to transition from one subject to the next with no interruptions.

STEM Courses Offered:

Engineering

Biomedical Science

Molecular Chemistry

Molecular Biology

Health Science

Algebra-based Physics

Calculus and Trigonometry

Computer Science

Coding

Graphic and Web Design

Assessments

At MDIS, comprehensive assessment embraces the entire system of assessing students understanding as a method to improve teaching and learning. To this end, MDIS uses a combination of standardized testing and performance assessments to inform and improve students performance. Effective assessments give students feedback on how well they understand the information and on what they need to improve, while also helping teachers better design instruction.

Field Trips & Outreach

Field trips enrich and expand the curriculum, strengthen observation skills, increase knowledge in a particular area, and expand community and global awareness. MDIS students will participate in field trips and outreach programs at least twice per quarter. In addition, high school students will have the opportunity to participate in an international service learning trip each summer.

Clubs & Extra Curricular Activities

Clubs and extra curricular activities are an integral part of a student's school experience and we offer a range of activities that are individualized and personalized to the interests of our students body. Some of our activities currently include robotics, First Lego League, Math Olympiads, Battle of the Books, chess club, coding club, debate league, Model UN, band/music lessons, drama, dance, art club, food science club, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, and baseball.

Family & Community Involvement

Family and community involvement is essential for helping students achieve at their maximum potential. By working in synergy with families, communities, and other stakeholders, we can provide a rich learning environment that extends beyond the classroom walls. As Stephen Covey stated, "Synergy catalyzes, unifies, and unleashes the greatest power within people."

We are currently in the process of developing partnerships with University of Maryland College Park, UMBC, Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Alliant Techsystems (ATK Aerospace), and the Smithsonian Institutions.

International Baccalaureate Program

International Baccalaureate (IB) programs challenge students Grades 1-12 to excel in their studies, and encourage both personal and academic achievement. IB programs aim to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Students in the IB program will:

Be encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning

Take part in programs of education that can lead them to some of the highest ranking universities around the world

Become more culturally aware, through the development of a second language

Be able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world

Preschool

MDIS also houses Children's Magnet Montessori School, a private Montessori preschool for students ages 2 through Kindergarten. Our innovative and comprehensive programs will nurture your child's development and prepare them for stewardship in the world. Since 1993, we have fostered a joy of learning in thousands of students. We incorporate the basic educational precepts of Dr. Maria Montessori while approaching it with a 21st century mentality. We firmly believe that following the student and his or her natural development is paramount. We also feel that our students need to be prepared to face the challenges of a technologically advanced world so we have incorporated STEM programs and opportunities for our children. We encourage every student to reach for high standards of academic success while preparing them for the great challenge of becoming contributors and leaders in our society. Our goal is to prepare your child for a successful transition to elementary school.